Rent Ferrari (2023)

Interesting, Stylish Drama - Ferrari review by GI

No one quite stages action as stylishly and superbly as Michael Mann. The moments in this film are horrifically shocking and elicited a gasp from me as the suddenness and the realistic depiction of two race crashes occurred. Unlike Mann's crime films this fits into his biopic oeuvre that has included The Insider (1999) and Ali (2001) and consequently there is an element of needing to have some interest in the subject. Adam Driver completely absorbs the title role of Enzio Ferrari, the former race driver, famed car manufacturer and troubled businessman. Set in 1957 and Ferrari's passion for racing has pushed his business close to bankruptcy and he needs to lure investors and sell more production cars to rich clients. Unfortunately his embittered wife, Laura (Penélope Cruz), controls the assets and she is all spite and anger over Ferrari's womanising complicated even more when she discovers he has a hidden family with Lina (Sharlene Woodley - rather underused in a part with little to do). Ferrari's plan is to win a gruelling 1000 mile road race through Italy and he enters five cars. This race has some tragic consequences. As a drama there are times this film may well test patience and you can feel this is a passion piece for Mann. It's a film much focused on a complicated, selfish man who can casually justify death, his betrayal of his wife and the hiding of a son. Driver and Cruz are excellent throughout and for the most part the film is interesting and has Mann's unique use of facial close ups as well as his wide shots of horror and violence. The race scenes are visceral, gritty and exciting and when the horror comes it hits you like a hammer. Overall, this is a master filmmaker at work so its a must see, arguably not his best but certainly an award contender in many areas.

Flat tyres - Ferrari review by AER

Sorry this was a bit flat. I don't think I like Adam Driver as an actor. Most of the time he delivers really boring perfomances and this is another one, slightly compacted by a faintly ridiculous accent. Lines are mumbled too here - however I could hear most of the other performers just fine. Penelope Cruz was excellent but most of the time she was locked away in a parallel part of the film - interacting all too rarely with Enzo Ferrari (Driver). The rest of the supporting cast never really gets a look in: characterisation is as follows: Jack O'Connell as Peter Collins wears funny hats and has a realm of 'jolly hockey-sticks'-type expressions, and Patrick Dempsey's Piero Teruffi likes to smoke cigarettes. The life story itself is quite compelling but this one suffers from a miscast leading man and unclear plotting. I had the same problems with Michael Mann's Miami Vice film - muddy and mumbled. I loved Mann's films like Collateral, Ali, The Insider, Heat, and The Last of the Mohicans... Where is that guy I wonder>?

Flat tyres - 3.5 out of 10

Dull cut from the middle of Ferraris life - Ferrari review by JD

I come to this as a car nut. And one who knows a fair bit about the history of motorsport - although little about the life or origins of Enzo and Ferrari

Origins would be hinted at, but not detailed which left even my non-car GF asking questions about how it got to this stage. The film is just a window into a specific, short time period which allows the film to focus on his personal life and a couple of racing and business events.

The film is mostly a personal drama. With a few cars and drivers, mostly setting up for a single event. Which in itself is interesting, but its not enough to warrant a 2 hour film about one of the most famous marques in history. Many key moments are dropped in clumsily and the impact will largely be missed by those who dont know automotive history, Fiat, Ferraris hatred of the kit cars, the driver dynamics etc are all mentioned but lack flesh. Only the Danger aspect gets any weight.

I get the feeling the film is trying to appeal to everyone. Drama for the girls and cars for the boys. In doing so it pleases nobody.

I couldnt help thinking a film about Chapman would be far more interesting. Much like Enzo in that he was a man of questionable morality, high Engineering skill and had a role in shaping motorsport and cars in general. But much more so on all counts! But of course the name wouldnt sell movies to the masses..... which takes us right round to the purpose of this film.